Hepatitis B-like infection in a Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens).
A Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) developed clinical signs, serum biochemical values, and serologic viral markers consistent with chronic persistent hepatitis caused by a hepatitis B-like virus. The hepatitis had a sporadic cyclical pattern of lethargy, inappetance, and icterus, with leukocytosis and increased serum activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. The serum from this dolphin contained hepatitis B virus core antibodies, hepatitis B surface antibodies, and hepatitis B viral DNA. Supportive treatment consisted of administration of antibiotics, cimetidine, menadiol sodium diphosphate, and vitamin/dextrose supplementation. A clinically normal killer whale (Orcinus orca) housed in the same pool had serum hepatitis B surface antibodies, suggesting immunologic responsiveness and that this disease was not species-specific.
Bossart
G D
GD
Miami Seaquarium, FL 33149.
Brawner
T A
TA
Cabal
C
C
Kuhns
M
M
Eimstad
E A
EA
Caron
J
J
Trimm
M
M
Bradley
P
P
D000818:Animals; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D004289:Dolphins; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000662:veterinary*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000662:veterinary*; D006524:Hepatitis, Viral, Animal
D004279:DNA, Viral; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens